Extension-step.



H. J. & C. A. ROEBUGK.

EXTENSION STEP.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 28,-1914.

1 1 1 8,584 Patented Nov. 24, 1914 swuwwtom' 73 7/ (wmmaw 72 a @wuw aiber d M mafia) a, z a 4:? r

(imw s H1" NORRIS PETERS c0, F'HOYG LITHO WAMIINIJIUN n r Hans? J. nonnucnanp CLAYTON A. ROEBUCK, or racy, new YonK.

' EXTENSION-STEP.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that we,. HARRY and CLAYTON A. RoEBUcK, of 7 Balsamavenue, Troy, New Yorlghave invented a new and useful Improvement in Extension- Steps, which invention is fully set forth in the following specification. Y

The presentinvention relates to extension steps, and has for its objects to provide a simple and effective step of the character described, which may be readily put in place and removed, and which will be certain and eflicient in operation.

The step is especially adapted for use on automobiles in connection with which it has been experienced that many people, usually the aged and infirm, cannot step from the ground onto the running board which is usuallyfifteenlor. sixteen inches from the ground. The device of the present invention, secured to the under side of the runningboard, obviates the inconveniences caused by this condition of things, and p re sents a perfectly secure step from wh ch one may readily mountto the running board.

It is a matter of great importance to fixedly maintain the stepinits extended position, and to that end there are provided by the present invention means for automatically latching the parts in extended position and holding them in that pOSltlOll against accidental displacement.

The invention will be betterunderstood by reference to the accompanying draw-:

ings, wherein- Figure 1 is a side view of part of an automobile, showing the step in place and 1n extended position; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the improved step; Fig. 3 is a transn verse section, partly in elevation, the parts being in extended position; and Fig e is a similar view, the parts being shown in collapsed position.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, 5-5 indicate guide members which are secured to the underside of the running-board 6 of the vehicle in any desired manner, as by the use of fastening elements 7 and screws passing through holes 8. members 99 are pivoted to said guide members at 10, and a step 11 is mounted on the lower ends of said supporting members. As here shown, said step is pivoted at 12 and rests upon inturned ends 13 of said J. ROEBUCK Suitable supporting Specification of Letters Patent. PatentetLNov. 24;, 1914. p Application filed March 28, 1914. Serial No. 827,841 l supporting members when the step is in position for use. A. .bracingmember 14: is

associated with eachsupporting member 9 and one end of each of said bracing memhers is pivoted to its associated supporting member at 15. A rod 16 passes through the other ends of said bracing members, and each extremity of said rod engages in a slot 17 provided in each side-piece 18, which latter is preferably, though not necessarily; formed integrally with its corresponding guide :member 5. Each slot 17 isprovided at one end with an offset 19' (Fig. 4), in which rod 16 engages when the step is in extended position. When the parts are in the extended position (shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3), the free ends ofsaid bracing members.

14: are caused to engage suitable shoulders or abutments 20 (Fig. 3) in order thatthc partsmay be firmly held in that position.

As here shown, said shoulders are formed on guide members 5, one being provided on each of said, members Preferably the ends of the bracing members. 14: that engage said shouldcrs arebeveled, and when said ends are caused to engage said shoulders the extremities of rodlG are moved into offsets 19.

It of the greatest importance that the step should be fixedly secured in extended position and that all danger ofaccidental To this end displacement be obviated. means have been provided to positively force the beveled ends of bracing members let against shoulders 20 and to hold said members so engaged. The particular embodimentofmeans herein shown comprises a yielding or resilient cam member 21 that is suitably secured to the underside of the running-board between the guide members 5-5 and in a position to engage rod 16 as the parts are moved to their extended position. The resilient cam member engages the rod 16 before the latter reaches the shoulders 20, with the result that, when said shoulders are reached, the beveled ends of bracing members 14: are positively moved into engagement therewith and held there by said secured to the running-board. Said strap.

passes under the step member 11 and securely holds the parts in their collapsed position.

'When it is desired to use the step, ring is first disengaged from hook 2-6, after which the operator preferably seizes the step member 11 and pulls the same outwardly. This causes the beveled ends of bracing members 14. to slide along the guide members 5 until they are forced into engagement with shouldersQO by cam member 21, the ends of rod 16 being moved at the same time into offsets 19. T he connection of the bracing members lit with the supporting members 9 is such that the greater the Weight applied to step member 11., the tighter will the beveled ends or bracing members 14: grip the shoulders 20, thus eliminating all danger of accidental displacement of the step when it is in use.

While for the purpose of clearness, one expression of the inventive idea has been described and illustrated with great particularity, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular means shown but that the inventive idea is susceptible of other mechanical expressions Within the limits of the appended claims.

What is claimed is 1. In an extension step, the combination of a pair of guide members each oi which is provided With a slotted side piece, said slots having an offset at one end, and each of said members being also provided With a shoulder, a supportingmeniber pivoted to each of said guide members, a bracing member pivoted at one end to each supporting member, a rod passing through the other end of each bracing member, the free ends of said rod engaging in. the slots in said side pieces, a step member pivoted to said supporting members, and a yielding cam mem- Caples of this patent may be obtained for supporting member, a rod passing through the other end of each bracing member, the free ends of said rod engaging in the slots in said side pieces, a stepmember pivoted to said supporting members. and; a cammember adapted to engage saidrod to force the free ends. of said bracing members against said shoulders and hold'them there.

3. In an extension step, the combination of a pair of pivoted supporting members, a step member pivoted thereto, a bracing member pivoted at one end toeach of said supporting members, a shoulder against Which the other end of each of said; bracing memhers is adapted to engage, a rod connecting said bracing members, an offset in which each end of said rod is engaged When the partsare in extended; position, and a yielding cam member adapted to engage said rod to force the free ends of said bracing mem bers against said shoulders and the free ends of said rod into. said offsets.

In testimony whereof We have signed this specification, in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

HARRY J. ROEBUCK. CLAYTON A. ROEBUCK.

Nitnesses L. J. THIEssnN, VVM, H. RoEB cK.

five cents each, by addressing the Gommissionerof Patents,

Washington, D. G. 

